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MLB Player Injuries and Their Impact on the 2024 Season

Editorial Team
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Last Updated on January 29, 2024 by Editorial Team

The 2024 MLB season is set against significant player injuries, reshaping team dynamics and league-wide competition. Injuries in baseball are not just setbacks for players; they often become turning points for teams, affecting strategies, fan expectations, and the sport’s overall narrative.

Here are some of key injuries impacting the 2024 season:

  1. Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers)
    • Injury: Elbow surgery, distinct from Tommy John surgery.
    • Timeline: Ohtani will focus exclusively on hitting in 2024, with pitching expected to resume in 2025.
    • Impact: Ohtani’s impact on any team is monumental, given his unique two-way abilities. For the Dodgers, his dual role as a pitcher and hitter would have been invaluable. His achievement as a former AL MVP and his consistent performance both at the plate and on the mound would have significantly bolstered the Dodgers’ lineup and rotation. Ohtani’s transition to a full-time hitter could unlock new levels of his batting prowess, but his absence from the mound is a significant blow to the Dodgers’ pitching rotation. This shift also places a spotlight on other Dodgers pitchers who will need to step up to fill the void left by Ohtani’s pitching absence​​​​.
  2. Jacob deGrom (Texas Rangers)
    • Injury: Season-ending right elbow surgery, specifically Tommy John surgery.
    • Timeline: deGrom will miss the entire 2024 season.
    • Impact: deGrom, a two-time Cy Young Award winner with the Mets, is known for his dominant pitching. His transition to the Rangers was expected to bring top-tier pitching talent to their rotation. His career achievements, including multiple All-Star selections and record-setting ERA performances, would have made him a pivotal figure in the Rangers’ quest for success. The Rangers’ rotation faces a significant challenge without their ace. This development forces the team to rethink their pitching strategy, potentially impacting their performance in the competitive AL West​​​​​​.
  3. Byron Buxton (Minnesota Twins)
    • Injury: Persistent issues with his right knee, leading to surgery.
    • Timeline: Uncertain; Buxton’s history of injuries makes his return timeline unpredictable.
    • Impact: Buxton’s tenure with the Twins has been marked by flashes of brilliance, marred by injuries. He’s a former Gold Glove winner and has shown potential as a powerful hitter. His speed and defensive capabilities in the outfield are significant assets. When healthy, Buxton has been a game-changer for Minnesota. One of baseball’s most dynamic players, Buxton’s potential absence or limited availability is a major concern for the Twins. His presence in center field and at the plate is crucial for Minnesota’s success. The team is hopeful for his return to form, but managing his health will be a critical factor​​.
  4. Tyler Glasnow (Los Angeles Dodgers)
    • Injury: Recurring arm issues, raising concerns about his durability.
    • Timeline: Expected to pitch in 2024 but may have a managed workload.
    • Impact: Glasnow, known for his time with the Rays, is a pitcher with great potential, demonstrated by his impressive strikeout rates and ERA when he’s been healthy. His addition to the Dodgers would have been significant, adding depth and quality to their pitching rotation. Glasnow’s health is key to the Dodgers’ championship aspirations. His ability to stay healthy and provide quality innings will significantly influence the team’s rotation and overall pitching strength​​.
  5. Nestor Cortes (New York Yankees)
    • Injury: Left rotator cuff injury.
    • Timeline: Expected to recover but may start the season with limitations.
    • Impact: Cortes has been a surprise package for the Yankees, delivering impressive performances that have exceeded initial expectations. His ability to pitch effectively in various roles, including as a starter, has been a valuable asset to New York’s pitching staff. Cortes’ injury raises questions about the Yankees’ rotation depth. His performance was a revelation in 2022, and the team will need him to replicate that form to bolster their pitching staff in a competitive AL East​​.
  6. Jazz Chisholm Jr. (Miami Marlins)
    • Injury: Recovery from toe surgery.
    • Timeline: Expected to play in 2024, but his injury history raises concerns.
    • Impact: Chisholm’s energy and talent have made him a key player for the Marlins. His combination of power and speed, along with defensive skills, makes him an exciting player to watch and a valuable asset for Miami. Chisholm’s dynamic playing style is crucial for the Marlins. His ability to recover fully and contribute both offensively and defensively will be vital for Miami’s success​​.
  7. John Means (Baltimore Orioles)
    • Injury: Recovering from elbow surgery.
    • Timeline: Uncertain return to the rotation.
    • Impact: Means has been a bright spot in the Orioles’ rebuilding phase, including pitching a no-hitter in 2021. His presence in the rotation has provided stability and quality starts for Baltimore. Means’ absence leaves a gap in the Orioles’ starting rotation. His role as a reliable starter is crucial, and Baltimore will need to find ways to compensate for his potential limited availability​​.
  8. Chris Sale (Boston Red Sox)
    • Injury: Various injuries, including a fractured rib cage.
    • Timeline: Hopes to be ready for the start of the season.
    • Impact: Sale, a seven-time All-Star and a key part of Boston’s 2018 World Series-winning team, has been a dominant pitcher throughout his career. His role with the Red Sox has been crucial, providing leadership and top-level performances on the mound. Sale’s ability to return to form is critical for the Red Sox. His health and performance will significantly impact Boston’s rotation and their chances in the AL East​​.
  9. Max Scherzer (New York Mets)
    • Injury: Setback, not expected back until midseason.
    • Timeline: Aiming for a midseason return.
    • Impact: Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, has been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball over the past decade. His tenure with the Mets has been marked by strong performances, further solidifying his status as one of the game’s elite pitchers. Scherzer’s absence for the first half of the season poses a challenge for the Mets. His experience and skill on the mound are crucial, and New York will need to find ways to maintain competitiveness until his return​​.

Image Source: Rangers’ Instagram

In summary, the 2024 MLB season will be defined in part by how teams adapt to these significant injuries. The absence of star players like Ohtani, deGrom, and Buxton will test the depth and resilience of their respective teams.

As always, the unpredictable nature of baseball ensures that new heroes may emerge in the face of adversity, making for an exciting and dynamic season ahead.